Wayward Pines (2015-2016)

Exciting, mysterious series that initially seems to be a cross between Twin Peaks and Lost. About halfway through, the plot takes a radical turn, something that you as a viewer either go along with, or drop out completely. Luckily I was able to do something with it and had a great time. All this builds up to a spectacular climax and a basically satisfying conclusion to the storylines. But, as is so often the case, someone apparently found it necessary to make a second series, reportedly a lot less successful.

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Mixed feelings that the is shifting from some sort of Twin Peaks mystery to a post-apocalyptic survival drama. Those two flavors just don't match. Also annoying that the series has the annoying tendency to focus on uninteresting details, while it conjures up so many cool ideas that are then unsatisfactorily worked out. Half a point deducted for the crazy ending when Ben gets a rock on the head during his father's dramatic martyrdom. Pretty drowsy.

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A bit more form-retaining than the first season; now it is clearly a cheesy SF dystopia about a closed community with a possible catastrophe in the background. It raises some interesting ideas about the relationship between humans/abbies and the totalitarian regime in Wayward Pines, but unfortunately the plot itself turns out to be a chaotic mess with no clear focus. Leading roles from the previous season become supporting roles, while tiny supporting roles suddenly become very important. Even in the final episodes, characters are still introduced!? Matt Dillon's imposing jawline has since been exchanged for Jason Patric's slightly less expressive jawline. Toby Jones and Hope Davis are again given the space to pick up their (semi-) villain roles. Eternal B actor Djimon Housou looks questionable and shouts nervous things. Perhaps the Abbies are the most charismatic of all the actors, especially because they appear to be quite sympathetic this season . adultery and betrayal.

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